Soccer Training Drills – Improve running with the ball

Soccer Training Drills that help players to understand and practice in game related situations the technique and skill of running with the ball, are really important to help players develop and improve this vital skill that can really carry attacks quickly and effectively to the opposition.

Why would players want to run with the ball? Well there are a number of very simple reasons.

To exploit space – in front of a defence, down the side of a defence and in behind a defence

Drive and carry the ball quickly up the pitch – a counter attack for example.

Commit defenders and create space for other players – sometimes just running with the ball for 5 yards commits a defender to the ball, this creates space for team mates to exploit.

Break defensive lines – a wide player running past the full back with the ball and getting into the space behind the defensive line to deliver a cross is a great example

Therefore it is important that players practice the technique and skill of running with the ball. As you can see from the video, we have lots of run with the ball soccer training drills, that are fun, challenging and progressive and through the wave like nature of the soccer training drills, they will give the players lots of opportunities to create, practice and improve their game related running with the ball skills, both as individuals and as part of a team.

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Mike Trusson

Mike is the creator of grassrootscoaching.com and has over 25 years coaching experience from professional to grassroots levels. A former professional player, he lists Brighton and Sheffield United as his former clubs and is currently in a scouting role for Premier League club West Bromwich Albion.